A River Network in Art and Storytelling with Victoria Bradford Styribicki | River of Ideas, Episode 08
In this episode of River of Ideas, host Abby Moore speaks with artist, choreographer, and performer Victoria Bradford Styrbicki about her incredible project Network: A River Connected. Victoria shares the story of her 2019 journey traveling on foot from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, stopping in over 100 communities to gather stories, landscapes, and voices.
Drawing inspiration from her family’s history and the disappearing craft of net-making, Victoria used traditional methods to weave fishing nets as a way to preserve this art form and process the stories she encountered. These nets, along with photos, videos, and narratives, now form the centerpiece of her exhibit at the MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center.
Through this conversation, Victoria explores the intersection of art, storytelling, and the environment, highlighting how the Mississippi River serves as a powerful connector of communities and a source of ecological and cultural significance. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of listening, movement, and creativity in shaping how we understand the world around us.
Links:
Network: A River Connected — https://www.mwmo.org/learn/visit-us/exhibits/network-a-river-connected/ [https://www.mwmo.org/learn/visit-us/exhibits/network-a-river-connected/]
Relay of Voices — https://www.relayofvoices.com/path [https://www.relayofvoices.com/path]
A House Unbuilt — https://ahouseunbuilt.com/ [https://ahouseunbuilt.com/]
Credits:
Abby Moore — Host, MWMO Outreach Program Manager
Victoria Bradford Styribicki — Guest
Akadia Johnson — Executive Producer
Adam Flett — Camera Operator and Set Assistant
Mary Yang — Set Assistant
About River of Ideas:
River of Ideas is a podcast about greener cities and cleaner water through science and urban planning. We cover topics like green infrastructure, water quality, landscape design, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.
River of Ideas is produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, a Minneapolis-based joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Learn more at mwmo.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by speakers on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the MWMO. The information provided during these episodes is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The MWMO does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the MWMO.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Victoria Bradford Styrbicki’s Journey
00:27 – Discovering the Mississippi: Reflections on the Headwaters to the Gulf
01:33 – Connections Across Geography: Minnesota and Louisiana
03:22 – On Foot and By Bike: Experiencing the Landscape
05:01 – Movement as a Dance: Exploring Symbolism and Connection Through Art
06:35 – A Pilgrimage to Reconnect: Finding Home Along the Mississippi
10:49 – Collaborating with Communities: Building Relationships Along the River
13:21 – Stories of Struggle and Resilience in River Towns
18:00 – A Sunday in West Memphis: Community, Church, and Connection
22:44 – Weaving Stories and Nets: History Through Art and Craft
25:39 – Upcoming Projects: Coastal Listening and Exhibitions
Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org [https://www.mwmo.org/].
